My flanks aches: Emphysematous pyelonephritis in a newly diagnosed case of diabetes mellitus

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a rare, severe necrotising infection of the renal parenchyma and surrounding tissues. It is usually life-threatening and should be promptly treated. Here, we report a clinical case of a 54-year-old male who presented with the left flank pains of 3-week duration. The flank pain was described as dull, constant with associated fever. He was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) while on admission. A clinical diagnosis of the left pyelonephritis was made. The abdominopelvic computed tomography scan confirmed bilateral EPN by showing a thin film of perinephric fluid (13.2 ml) in the left lower pole. He was managed conservatively with fluid therapy, adequate glycaemic control and intravenous antibiotics with no percutaneous drainage done. This highlights the importance of early initiation of appropriate medical treatment to avoid interventional urological procedures of nephrectomy. It also highlights the importance of clinical suspicion of EPN in patients presenting with symptoms of urinary tract infection and DM.

[Features of chronic kidney disease in elderly patients.]

The purpose of the work is to study the characteristics of the course of chronic kidney disease in elderly patients based on the analysis of the register of chronic kidney disease (CKD) for 2015-2018. in the Department of Nephrology, the Komi Republican Clinical Hospital. There are 484 patients in the register, of whom 231 are men (47,7%), 253 women (52,3%). The average age is 58,8±15,8 years old. The patients were divided into 3 groups: persons under the age of 59 years old - 218 people (group 1); from 60 to 74 years old - 207 people (group 2); and over 75 years old - 59 people (group 3). Most patients are between the ages of 60 and 69 years old. In the 1st group, the chronic glomerulonephritis is the leading cause of CKD - 27,1%; in the 2nd group - the chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis (TIN) - 21,7%, the diabetic nephropathy (DN) - 20,8% and the hypertensive nephropathy - 15,9%; in the 3d group - TIN (27,1%), the chronic pyelonephritis (PN) (15,9%) and DN (13,6%). With increasing age, the incidence of TIN (p<0,1), MO (p<0,05), coronary kidney disease (IBP) (p<0,05), gouty nephropathy (p<0,1) were raised. The average reduction in GFR is 3,99 ml/min/1,73 m2 per year of observation. The rate of decline in GFR in the 1st group is 3,36±1,8 ml/min/1,73 m2 per year, in the 2nd - 2,43±1,2 (p<0,001 between group 1 and 2), in the 3rd group - 1,82±1,1; with aging the negative correlation was observed (p<0,05). 39 patients received hemodialysis, including: in the 1st group - 20 people (9%), in the 2nd group - 18 (8,7%), in the 3rd group - 1 patient (1,7%). Making the register of the patients with CKD allows us to know the number of patients and the causes of CKD among the patients of elderly and senile ages, to assess the clinical situation, the rate of decline in GFR and treatment tactics in these patients.

[Specific features of the immune status and blebbing of the plasmatic membrane of lymphocytes patients with urolithiasis complicated by the pyelonephritis]

INTRODUCTION

According to the epidemiological studies, prevalence of urolithiasis is nearly 10% worldwide. The course of the disease is often complicated by the development of pyelonephritis, the pathogenesis of which is rather multifactorial. Along with urinary tract obstruction, increasing virulence of microorganisms and immune insufficiency in patients also plays a major role.

AIM

To define specific features of immune insufficiency in patients who develop pyelonephritis as a complication of urolithiasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 150 patients with urolithiasis complicated by pyelonephritis were prospectively enrolled into our study in order to develop a novel method. All patients were divided into two clinical groups. Group I consisted of 75 patients with urolithiasis complicated by serous pyelonephritis and Group II included 75 patients with urolithiasis complicated by purulent pyelonephritis. In all patients an evaluation of the immune status with a determination of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD19 level and phagocyte activity of immune system was carried out. The state of lymphocytes plasmatic membrane was evaluated by phase contrast microscopy.

RESULTS

It is established that development of pyelonephritis in patients with urolithiasis is accompanied by a lymphopenia, the decrease in relative contents T-helpers, natural killers, as well as a decrease in the immuno-regulatory index and an increase in indicators of terminal and total lymphocytes blebbing. The most pronounced changes were noted in purulent pyelonephritis, where suppressed immune status was confirmed by the high level of lymphocyte with terminal blebbing state.

[Bilateral acute purulent destructive pyelonephritis after retrograde ureteroscopy and lithotripsy]

The problem of urinary stone disease and acute destructive pyelonephritis remains to be relevant in the current urologic practice. The acute pyelonephritis is the most common infectious and inflammatory complication after retrograde ureteroscopy. According to data of leading urologists in Russian Federation and worldwide, the incidence of acute purulent pyelonephritis ranges from 0.1 to 0.2%. Infectious and inflammatory complications of retrograde ureteroscopy often require urgent interventions. Acute pyelonephritis can result in destructive changes in the renal parenchyma. In case of ineffective conservative measures, pyelonephritis can progress into sepsis with the development of multiple organ failure. Therefore, infectious and inflammatory complications require to start combined antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and detoxification therapy, as well as to resolve any upper urinary tract obstruction. If acute pyelonephritis leads to destructive phase with a formation of a carbuncle or an abscess in the kidney, an open surgery is indicated. Despite being minimally-invasive, retrograde ureteroscopy can lead to serious complications requiring an open surgical intervention. In some cases, the severity of the patients condition may require nephrectomy.

Effects on renal outcome of concomitant acute pyelonephritis, acute kidney injury and obstruction duration in obstructive uropathy by urolithiasis: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Obstruction release from urolithiasis can be delayed with a lack of suggested time for preventing the deterioration of renal function. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of obstruction duration, concomitant acute kidney injury (AKI) or acute pyelonephritis (APN) during the obstruction on the prognosis of renal function.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

1607 patients from a urolithiasis-related obstructive uropathy cohort, between January 2005 and December 2015.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decrease ≥30% and/or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and eGFR decrease ≥50% and/or ESRD, according to obstruction duration, AKI and APN accompanied by obstructive uropathy.

RESULTS

When the prognosis was divided by obstruction duration quartile, the longer the obstruction duration the higher the probability of eGFR reduction >50% (p=0.02). In patients with concomitant APN or severe AKI during hospitalisation with obstructive uropathy, an eGFR decrease of >30% and >50% occurred more frequently, compared with others (p<0.001). When we adjusted for sex, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, APN, AKI grades and obstruction release >7 days for multivariate analysis, we found that concomitant APN (HR 3.495, 95% CI 1.942 to 6.289, p<0.001), concomitant AKI (HR 3.284, 95% CI 1.354 to 7.965, p=0.009 for AKI stage II; HR 6.425, 95% CI 2.599 to 15.881, p<0.001 for AKI stage III) and an obstruction duration >7 days (HR 1.854, 95% CI 1.095 to 3.140, p=0.001) were independently associated with an eGFR decrease >50%. Tree analysis also showed that AKI grade 3, APN and an obstruction duration >7 days were the most important factors affecting renal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with urolithiasis-related obstructive uropathy, concomitant APN was strongly associated with deterioration of renal function after obstruction release. The elapsed time to release the obstruction also affected renal function.

ABILITY TO FORM BIOFILMS BY PYELONEPHRITIS CAUSATIVE AGENTS IN CHILDREN

The work is dedicated to the study of biofilms formation process by main pyelonephritis causative agents in children in vitro using methods of light, fluorescent and scanning microscopy. To study biofilms formation bacteria were cultivated in liquid substratum on glass in polystyrene Petri dishes d=40mm. The study demonstrated that all isolates formed biofilms. Adhesion of bacteria planktonic forms took place on the first stage, intracellular matrix formation took place on the second stage, and biofilms formation took place on the third stage. During the study of E. coli and Proteus sрр bacteria preparations with the use of scanning and light microscopy ordered bacteria arrangement was seen in the form of separate structures or tiny clusters of bacterial cells united by matrix. During the study of the ability to form P. aeruginosa isolates biofilms with the help of scanning microscopy it was stated that the adhesion of separate bacterial cells occurs by conglomerates formation surrounded by matrix with further biofilms formation. Bacterial cells in the form of dense elongated sticks were seen under the film. P. аeruginosa isolates daily biofilms were stated to have dense structure in the form of gel. Packed biofilms areas with cells clusters with good fluorescence were found with the help of fluorescent microscopy. During daily K.рneumoniae isolates biofilms study by methods of scanning and fluorescent microscopy it was found that K.рneumoniae biofilms were covered with dense matrix and riddled with multiple canals in the form of apertures. During morphological peculiarities study of E. faecalis isolates biofilms formation with the use of scanning and fluorescent microscopy it was found that bacterial cells were densely packed and united by intracellular matrix under which bacteria of spherical shape were seen. Thus biofilms, the nature of which depends on the type of bacteria, are formed on the surface of conglomerates consisting of bacterial cells. Peculiarities of course and appearance of pyelonephritis chronic form and relapses in children is explained by biofilms formation.

Clinical impact of perinephric fat stranding detected on computed tomography in patients with acute pyelonephritis: a retrospective observational study

Perinephric fat stranding (PFS) is often detected on computed tomography (CT) in patients with acute pyelonephritis (APN). However, its clinical impact remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of PFS detected on CT in patients with APN. This retrospective observational study included patients with APN who underwent CT (median age, 79.5 years). Patients were classified into PFS (patients with PFS observed on CT) and non-PFS (patients without PFS observed on CT) groups, which were further classified into bacteraemia and non-bacteraemia groups. Clinical findings between the groups were compared. Among 194 patients who underwent CT, 111 (57.2%) patients demonstrated PFS. The rate of bacteraemia was significantly higher in the PFS group than in the non-PFS group (55.2 vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001). CT findings other than PFS were not associated with bacteraemia. The median peak body temperature was significantly higher in the PFS group than in the non-PFS group (38.8 vs. 38.5 °C, p < 0.001); however, the duration of fever and in-hospital mortality rates were not significantly different between the groups. Concordance between blood and urine culture results was observed in 75.0% of the patients; the presence of PFS was not different between patients with concordant and discordant results, regardless of the pre-treatment antibiotic used. Our findings suggest that the presence of PFS in patients with APN predicts bacteraemia; thus, clinicians should consider obtaining blood cultures if PFS is found on CT in patients with APN, even if the patients had received antibiotics prior to admission.

Assessment the Effect of Dexamethasone on Urinary Cytokines and Renal Scar in Children with Acute Pyelonephritis

INTRODUCTION

One of the most serious complications of acute febrilepyelonephritis in children is the development of renal scar. Thisstudy aimed to investigate the effect of dexamethasone on urinarycytokine levels and renal scar in children with acute pyelonephritis.

METHODS

In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 60 childrenaged 3 months to 12 years with acute febrile pyelonephritis enrolled.The experimental group was treated with a combination of antibioticand dexamethasone, and the control group underwent treatmentwith antibiotic and placebo. The urinary levels of interleukin -6(UIL-6) and -8 (UIL-8) were measured before treatment as baselineand were repeated four days later.

RESULTS

52 cases (23 patients with mean age of 34.19 ± 30.82 monthsin the dexamethasone group, and 29 patients with mean age of50.55 ± 44.41 months in the control group) completed the study. Inthe control group, the UIL-6 and UIL-8 level became significantlylower after four days treatment (P < .05). In the dexamethasonegroup, there was a statistically significant difference between bothUIL-6 and UIL-8 levels before and after treatment (P < .05). Inpatients who had scar on DMSA scan, the mean UIL-8 and UIL-6levels were significantly high before and after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study showed that dexamethasone plusantibiotic have no clear superiority to antibiotic therapy alone indecreasing inflammatory cytokines and scar formation. We foundout that patients with scar had sustained high levels of biomarkersbefore and after treatment.

Urinary excretion of pentraxin-3 correlates with the presence of renal scar following acute pyelonephritis in children

PURPOSE

Acute pyelonephritis is associated with considerable morbidity and potential for renal scarring. Pentraxin3 (PTX3) is a recently discovered mediator of inflammation. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in serum and urine PTX3 levels in children who had a history of pyelonephritis and were diagnosed with renal parenchymal scar (RPS) and/or vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

METHODS

The study included 88 children (31 males, 57 females) aged between 3 months and 18 years. The children included in the study were divided into four groups: VUR with RPS (Group 1), RPS without VUR (Group 2), VUR without RPS (Group 3), and healthy children without a history of hydronephrosis or UTI history (Group 4). After the initial evaluation, the participants were further divided into two more groups and re-evaluated: Children with RPS (Group 1 + 2), children without RPS (Group 3 + 4), children with VUR (Group 1 + 3), and children without VUR (Group 2 + 4).

RESULTS

We found that urine pentraxin 3 (uPTX3) and uPTX3/Creatinine levels were significantly higher in the groups with renal scar with or without VUR than the ones without RPS [mean uPTX3, 3.5 pg/ml (min-max 0.0022-12.3668) vs. 2.2 pg/ml (min-max 0.0022-18.5868) and uPTX3/creatinine, 10.5 pg/mg (min-max 0.0035-51.1) vs. 5.8 pg/mg (min-max 0.0004-78.7), p < 0.01]. uPTX3 levels were not different among the groups with and without VUR. In addition, serum PTX3 levels were not different among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that urinary PTX3 increased only in patients with scarred kidneys. These results might be helpful to predict RPS due to past pyelonephritis.

The use of initial dosing of gentamicin in the management of pyelonephritis/urosepsis: A retrospective study

Objective

The primary objective was to determine if initial empirical intravenous dosing of gentamicin improved patient's outcomes in pyelonephritis/urosepsis compared with alternative IV antibiotic management.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study.

Setting

Public TertiaryTeaching Hospital serving adults in an urban centre.

Participants

All adult patient records with a recorded diagnosis of any of pyelonephritis/urosepsis, urinary tract infection, UTI, complicated urinary tract infection, bacteriuria, symptomatic bacteriuria and asymptomatic bacteriuria from 2^nd February 2012 to 10^th May 2014 were reviewed. Only patients treated with an empirical regimen of one or more IV antibiotics were included in the study.

Main outcomes

The primary outcomes were: duration of IV antibiotic treatment, time to resolution of symptoms and length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary end points were: compliance with Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic (electronic version) (eTG) for severe pyelonephritis/urosepsis and appropriateness of gentamicin use.

Data analysis

Univariate and multivariable associations between baseline and demographic variables and the main outcomes were performed using Chi-square tests and a General Linear Model using the SAS version 9.2 software.

Results

Of 295 patients reviewed 152 were prescribed one or more IV antibiotics and included in the study. Approximately half of the patients (n = 73, 48%) were prescribed IV piperacillin/tazobactam (Tazocin), while gentamicin was prescribed for 66 patients (43.4%). Of the 152 patients evaluated, 49 (32%) were given gentamicin first. Multivariable regression analysis showed that duration of IV treatment was shorter for those aged over 70 (40.2 hours vs 85.5 hours for those aged up to 70; p = 0.0074), and those who received gentamicin as first line treatment (41.3 hours vs 89.8 hours for those not receiving any gentamicin; p = 0.0312). After adjustment for age and gentamicin administration, there appeared to be no significant difference in duration of IV treatment for any other independent variables. No significant associations between the independent variables (gentamicin, age, gender, comorbidities, and eTG compliance) and either time to resolution of symptoms (median: 68 hours) or hospital LOS (median: 5 days) were observed.

Conclusions

Neither time to resolution of abnormal symptoms nor length of stay were significantly influenced by an initial dose of gentamicin when the data were subjected to multivariable analysis. The age of the patient and pattern of gentamicin treatment were the dominant factors associated with duration of IV antibiotics. Piperacillin/tazobactam is not recommended in treatment guidelines for pyelonephritis/urosepsis but was the most commonly prescribed IV antibiotic. This requires review by the appropriate hospital clinicians.

Useful Predictive Factors for Bacteremia among Outpatients with Pyelonephritis

Objective The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors for bacteremia conveniently and quickly among outpatients diagnosed with pyelonephritis. Patients All patients who were diagnosed with pyelonephritis at the outpatient clinic in the Department of General Medicine of Juntendo University Hospital from April 1, 2008, to June 30, 2015, were enrolled. Patients from whom blood cultures had not been taken were excluded. Methods Clinical information was extracted from medical charts. Factors potentially predictive of bacteremia were analyzed using a t-test and Fisher's exact test, followed by a multivariable logistic regression model analysis. Results Blood cultures were drawn from 116 patients, and 25 (22%) presented with bacteremia. A multivariate analysis with the age, chills, platelet count and urine nitrite test results revealed that older age, positive urinary nitrite test results and chills tended to be associated with bacteremia, respectively. [older age: unit odds ratio (OR) 1.02, p=0.052, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.05, positive urinary nitrite test findings: OR 2.5, p=0.092, 95% CI 0.86-7.7, chills: OR 2.5, p=0.096, 95% CI 0.84-7.65]. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of this model was 0.77. Regardless of age, positive urinary nitrite test findings were significantly associated with bacteremia (OR 3.1, p=0.033, 95% CI 1.1-9.2), and chills tended to be associated with bacteremia (OR 2.7, p=0.07, 95% CI 0.93-7.9) The area under the ROC curve of this model was 0.75. Conclusion Bacteremia should be considered in pyelonephritis patients with rapidly assessable factors in outpatient clinic. In particular, a model including a urinary nitrite test has the potential to aid in the prediction of bacteremia.

INTENSITY OF THE ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION SYSTEM AND OXIDATIVE STRESS FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS DEPENDING ON THE FORM OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

The article presents a theoretical generalization of the research results the intensity of the antioxidant protection system and oxidative stress factors in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis depending on the form of chronic kidney disease. The objective of the article - determining the pathogenetic role of the processes of antioxidant protection system in the development and interconnection mechanisms of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and obesity depending on the form and stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). 177 patients were examined for this purpose, including: 35 patients with NASH with concomitant obesity of І-ІІ degree (1st group), 36 patients with NASH with accompanying obesity of І-ІІ degree and CKD І-ІІ stage: Chronic bilateral pyelonephritis in the phase of exacerbation (2A group), 35 patients with NASH on the background of obesity I-II st. with CKD of the 3rd stage: Chronic bilateral peyelonephritis, exacerbation (2B group), 37 patients with NASH with obesity I-II stage and gouty nephropathy (group 3), 34 patients with NASH, which developed on the background of obesity I-II stages that developed from asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AHU) (group 4). The control group consisted of 30 practically healthy persons (PHP). For the comorbidity of NASH from CKD of the I-III stages. In the form of chronic pyelonephritis, the intensity of oxidative stress increases: the accumulation of intermediate (isolated double bonds, diene conjugates) and terminal (malonic aldehyde, ketodienes and conjugated triines) products of lipids peroxide oxidation, oxidation proteins modification (aldehyde and ketone dinitrophenyl hydrazones of the main and neutral) against the background of the disintegration of the activity of antiradical protection factors (reduction of content in erythrocytes of recovered glutathione, activity of superoxide dismutase, the growth of catalase activity, glutathion-dependent enzymes). Due to the comorbidity of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with gouty nephropathy and in conditions of asymptomatic hyperuricemia, the degree of oxidative stress is significantly lower due to the strong antioxidant properties of uric acid, but the degree of endotoxicosis predominates in steatohepatitis without kidney damage. The uncontrolled intensification of the processes of free radical oxidation of lipids and proteins in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis that developed on the background of obesity and CKD I-III stages, determines the degree of pathological process activity in the liver and the degree of endotoxicosis.

History of Childhood Kidney Disease and Risk of Adult End-Stage Renal Disease

BACKGROUND

The long-term risk associated with childhood kidney disease that had not progressed to chronic kidney disease in childhood is unclear. We aimed to estimate the risk of future end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among adolescents who had normal renal function and a history of childhood kidney disease.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide, population-based, historical cohort study of 1,521,501 Israeli adolescents who were examined before compulsory military service in 1967 through 1997; data were linked to the Israeli ESRD registry. Kidney diseases in childhood included congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, pyelonephritis, and glomerular disease; all participants included in the primary analysis had normal renal function and no hypertension in adolescence. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratio for ESRD associated with a history of childhood kidney disease.

RESULTS

During 30 years of follow-up, ESRD developed in 2490 persons. A history of any childhood kidney disease was associated with a hazard ratio for ESRD of 4.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.52 to 4.99). The associations between each diagnosis of kidney disease in childhood (congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, pyelonephritis, and glomerular disease) and the risk of ESRD in adulthood were similar in magnitude (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of 5.19 [95% CI, 3.41 to 7.90], 4.03 [95% CI, 3.16 to 5.14], and 3.85 [95% CI, 2.77 to 5.36], respectively). A history of kidney disease in childhood was associated with younger age at the onset of ESRD (hazard ratio for ESRD among adults <40 years of age, 10.40 [95% CI, 7.96 to 13.59]).

CONCLUSIONS

A history of clinically evident kidney disease in childhood, even if renal function was apparently normal in adolescence, was associated with a significantly increased risk of ESRD, which suggests that kidney injury or structural abnormality in childhood has long-term consequences.

The clinical impact of bacteremia on outcomes in elderly patients with pyelonephritis or urinary sepsis: A prospective multicenter study

Background

Bacteremia is common in severe urinary infections, but its influence on the outcomes is not well established. The aim of this study was to assess the association of bacteremia with outcomes in elderly patients admitted to hospital with pyelonephritis or urinary sepsis.

Methods

This prospective muticenter observational study was conducted at 5 Spanish hospitals. All patients aged >65 years with pyelonephritis or urinary sepsis admitted to the departments of internal medicine and with urine and blood cultures obtained at admission to hospital were eligible. Transfer to ICU, length of hospital stay, hospital mortality and all cause 30-day mortality in bacteremic and non-bacteremic groups were compared. Risk factors for all cause 30-day mortality was also estimated.

Results

Of the 424 patients included in the study 181 (42.7%) had bacteremia. Neither transfer to ICU (4.4% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.400), nor length of hospital stay (9.7±4.6 days vs. 9.0±7.3 days, p = 0.252), nor hospital mortality (3.3% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.187), nor all cause 30-day mortality (9.4% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.223) were different between bacteremic and non-bacteremic groups. By multivariate analysis, risk factors for all cause 30-day mortality were age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00–1.10), McCabe index ≥2 (OR 10.47, 95% CI 2.96–37.04) and septic shock (OR 8.56, 95% CI 2.86–25.61); whereas, bacteremia was inversely associated with all cause 30-day mortality (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15–0.71).

Conclusions

In this cohort, bacteremia was not associated with a worse prognosis in elderly patients with pyelonephritis or urinary sepsis.

Urgent laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for proximal ureter stones accompanied with obstructive pyelonephritis: Is it safe and effective without preoperative drainage?

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RLU) in the treatment of proximal ureteral stones accompanied with obstructive pyelonephritis without preoperative drainage.We retrospectively reviewed 21 cases of proximal ureteral stones with infected kidney undergoing RLU between July 2013 and September 2016. Stone-induced obstructive infected hydronephrosis was diagnosed using blood and urine tests and imaging modalities. Empirical effective broad spectrum antibiotic therapy was initiated immediately, and then urgent RLU was performed without preoperative drainage. During the surgical procedure, infected urine was also aspirated before stone was removed. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data were collected.Operations were performed successfully without open conversion or blood transfusion. The mean operation time was 69.3 ± 12.33 minutes. For all the patients, the level of plasma procalcitonin decreased after RLU. The mean hospital stay duration was 6.4 ± 1.54 days. No septic shock or other severe complications occurred. By discharge, the body temperature and hemogram of each patient returned to normal. A 100% stone-free rate was achieved.Our study suggests that RLU is a potentially safe and effective method to treat proximal ureteral stones accompanied with obstructive pyelonephritis without any need of preoperative drainage.

[Antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens in patients with acute obstructive pyelonephritis]

RELEVANCE

Acute pyelonephritis is known to be the most complicated and severe urinary tract infection occurring in all age groups and accounting for 14% of all kidney diseases. The generally recognized standard antibiotic therapy cannot completely prevent the progression of the disease to its chronic form after relief of its acute manifestations thus leading to a high incidence of relapses. The aim of our study was to investigate the spectrum of uropathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity in acute obstructive pyelonephritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised 72 patients who underwent semi-rigid ureteroscopy and ultrasonic lithotripsy for ureteral stones. In all patients, bladder urine samples collected by a transurethral catheter were tested bacteriologically using an extended set of culture media within 3 hours after hospital admission. Antibiotics used in antibiotic sensitivity testing for all uropathogens, were grouped into 4 classes (carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, penicillins). Etiotropic treatment was started upon the availability of the spectrum of microbial patterns, the level of bacteriuria and antibioticogram of uropathogens, 5-6 days after administering initial empirical antibiotic therapy.

RESULTS

The study patients had a high detection rate (83.3%) of canonical uropathogens in the bladder urine identified due to using an extended set of culture media, with a bacteriuria of more or equal 103 CFU/mL. Given the results of local antibiograms, a rational antimicrobial therapy should include carbapenems, namely ertapenem or meropenem as initial empirical antibiotics. Using fluoroquinolones as the first line treatment can lead to an inadequate effect in 15.0 to 67.0% of the cases. The findings of the antibiotic resistance testing of uropathogens to cephalosporins and semisynthetic penicillins showed that they should not be used as initial empirical antibiotic therapy for acute obstructive pyelonephritis in the given department of urology.

Acute focal bacterial nephritis in a cohort of hospitalized adult patients with acute pyelonephritis. Assessment of risk factors and a predictive model

BACKGROUND

Acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN) is a complicated form of acute pyelonephritis (APN) characterized by single or multiple areas of localised infection in the kidney without liquefaction or abscess. Studies investigating AFBN in adults are scarce.

AIM

The present study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence, associated factors, and presence of atypical clinical and radiological manifestations in adult AFBN patients. Also, we developed a clinical prediction model to evaluate the probability of AFBN in patients with APN.

METHODS

The clinical records of 377 patients (mean age 54years, 74.0% females) admitted to a hospital over a 5-year period with APN were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 57 cases of AFBN were radiologically identified (prevalence, 15.1%). Patients with AFBN were younger and displayed atypical manifestations more frequently than patients without AFBN; these included both clinical and radiological (pleural effusion, gallbladder wall thickening, fluid around the gallbladder, perirenal fluid, and ascites) manifestations. Patients with AFBN showed lower systolic blood pressure and needed more days of therapy to become afebrile, longer total duration of antibiotic therapy, and longer hospital stay than patients without AFBN. Contraceptive use was more frequent in patients with AFBN. A model based on five clinical variables showed good discrimination performance for the diagnosis of AFBN (Area under the curve, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.69-0.89)).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AFBN frequently present with atypical clinical and radiological manifestations. Clinical presentation by means of a predictive model may predict the presence of AFBN. Patients with AFBN need more intensive therapy, which is followed by a favourable outcome.

Transition Hand-Off from Inpatient to Outpatient Treatment of Acute Pyelonephritis in an Elderly Male

Pyelonephritis is the progression of a urinary tract infection (UTI) to the kidney. In younger patients the infection may not be as severe and may even be treated with oral antibiotics. However, in elderly males pyelonephritis can be more complex and may require hospitalization and treatment with intravenous antibiotics. In the United States UTIs are responsible for frequent visits to emergency departments by elderly individuals. Current literature suggests that pyelonephritis in elderly males is a serious infection that may result in significant morbidity and mortality. Pharmacists are in a unique position to oversee the transition of antibiotic treatment from the inpatient to outpatienT SETTING.

Derivation of decision rules to predict clinically important outcomes in acute flank pain patients

OBJECTIVE

Routine CT for patients with acute flank pain has not been shown to improve patient outcomes, and it may unnecessarily expose patients to radiation and increased costs. As preliminary steps toward the development of a guideline for selective CT, we sought to determine the prevalence of clinically important outcomes in patients with acute flank pain and derive preliminary decision rules.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a randomized trial of CT vs. ultrasonography for patients with acute flank pain from 15 EDs between October 2011 and February 2013. Clinically important outcomes were defined as inpatient admission for ureteral stones and alternative diagnoses. Clinically important stones were defined as stones requiring urologic intervention. We sought to derive highly sensitive decision rules for both outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 2759 participants, 236 (8.6%) had a clinically important outcome and 143 (5.2%) had a clinically important stone. A CDR including anemia (hemoglobin <13.2g/dl), WBC count >11000/μl, age>42years, and the absence of CVAT had a sensitivity of 97.9% (95% CI 94.8-99.2%) and specificity of 18.7% (95% 17.2-20.2%) for clinically important outcome. A CDR including hydronephrosis, prior history of stone, and WBC count <8300/μl had a sensitivity of 98.6% (95% CI 94.5-99.7%) and specificity of 26.0% (95% 24.2-27.7%) for clinically important stone.

CONCLUSIONS

We determined the prevalence of clinically important outcomes in patients with acute flank pain, and derived preliminary high sensitivity CDRs that predict them. Validation of CDRs with similar test characteristics would require prospective enrollment of 2100 patients.

Corticosteroids for renal scar prevention in children with acute pyelonephritis

Question Acute pyelonephritis in children is of great concern and I usually refer these patients to a pediatrician or send them to the emergency department owing to the risk of renal scarring. Are steroids an acceptable treatment to reduce risk of scarring? Answer Several agents have been studied in an effort to prevent renal scar formation following acute pyelonephritis in children. Use of corticosteroids, in conjunction with standard therapy for acute pyelonephritis, shows promising findings. However, evidence is very limited and steroids should not be offered on a regular basis as part of treatment.

[Acute complicated and uncomplicated pyelonephritis in the emergency department: process-of-care indicators and outcomes]

OBJECTIVES

To assess process-of-care indicators and outcomes in acute pyelonephritis (APN) in a general hospital emergency department, and compare them between uncomplicaed and complicated APN.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study of consecutive patients discharged with a diagnosis of APN. We studied health processof- care indicators (percentage admitted, avoidable hospitalization, appropriate initial antibiotic therapy, urine and blood cultures) and outcomes (hospital length of stay [LOS], discharge from the emergency department, revisits, mortality, yields of microbiological tests ordered).

RESULTS

A total of 529 cases (59% of them complicated) were included. Patients with uncomplicated APN were significantly younger on average (mean, 39 years) than patients with complicated APN (56 years). Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen identified, although the percentage of E coli infection was lower in patients with complicated APN (78%) than in patients with uncomplicated APN (95%). The rates of admission and orders for urine and blood cultures were significantly higher and hospital LOS was longer in the group with complicated APN. Moreover, these patients had even longer stays if the initial antibiotic therapy was inappropriate. Significantly more patients with uncomplicated APN were discharged from the emergency department. Sixty-one percent of patients with uncomplicated APN were admitted; 9% of these cases were considered avoidable hospitalizations.

CONCLUSION

Complicated APN is diagnosed more often in older patients, and E coli infection causes a smaller proportion of these cases. Hospital LOS is longer in complicated APN and more urine and blood cultures are ordered. Patients with uncomplicated APN are more often discharged from the emergency department, although the number of avoidable hospitalizations seems high based on the rate found in this study.

Pyelonephritis can lead to life-threatening complications

Acute pyelonephritis is suggested by the constellation of fever (temperature ≥ 38.5° C), flank pain (typically unilateral), nausea and vomiting, and costovertebral angle tenderness. Complaints typical of lower UTI are variably present. The severity of symptoms ranges from a mild pyrexial illness to life-threatening sepsis. The diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis should be suspected on the basis of the history and clinical examination. If the urine dipstick is negative for nitrites and leukocyte esterase this does not exclude the diagnosis, but it should prompt a re-evaluation of the clinical features and consideration of other potential diagnoses. Antibiotic therapy should be initiated without delay; this can be modified subsequently depending on the culture result. Antibiotics that are typically effective in lower urinary tract infections are frequently inadequate in acute pyelonephritis, and more prolonged therapy is necessary. Review of the clinical course and urine culture results is necessary to ensure that the patient is improving. Patients who have not improved within two days of commencing antimicrobial treatment should be referred to secondary care unless the infecting pathogen is not susceptible to the agent originally used, an alternative appropriate antibiotic is available, and the patient remains well enough for community care.